Honeywell yesterday said that IRPC Plc will use a range of advanced process technologies from Honeywell UOP for a new aromatics complex in Rayong province.

As part of the project, Honeywell UOP will provide licensing, design, key equipment and catalysts and adsorbents. When completed in 2022, the complex will produce 1.2 million tonnes per year of paraxylene used to make plastic resins, films and fibres.

It also will increase its benzene production capacity from 114,000 to 495,000 tonnes a year. Benzene is a fuel additive and ingredient in plastics, lubricants, rubber, dyes and detergents.

“This complex will enable IRPC to significantly convert its available intermediate feedstocks to higher value aromatics products such as paraxylene and benzene,” said John Gugel, vice president and general manager, process technology and equipment, at Honeywell UOP.

“This is the latest in a series of aromatics projects using advanced UOP technologies that have low capital and operating expense.”

LAOS SEEKS TO RIDE ON THAI TOURISM BOOM

Lao policymakers should find ways to benefit from the growing Thai tourism industry, a research group said.

The Lao National Economic Research Institute, under the supervision of former prime minister Bouasone Bouphavanh, made this policy recommendation to the Lao government – especially tourism policymakers – in its annual report.

The increasing number of tourists visiting Thailand will create opportunities for Laos to attract them while they are in the region, the institute said. – Vientiane Times